Belfast is shaping Davos

Belfast is shaping Davos

For the first time, Belfast will be shaping the agenda of internationally renowned think-tank, the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Summit in Davos, Switzerland (17th – 20th January).

The World Economic Forum was founded in 1971 to ‘improve the state of the world’ and advise governments, corporations and charity groups on interdependent policy issues. UK Prime Minister Theresa May, along with dozens of other heads of state, business titans and philanthropists such as Bill Gates, are due to attend this month.

The ‘Shaping Davos’ element of the summit is led by the Global Shapers Community. This is an initiative set up by WEF, to engage pioneering young people and ensure they have an opportunity to contribute to the WEF agenda.

Belfast is part of the Global Shapers network of city-based Hubs developed and led by young leaders between 20 and 30 years old who want to develop their leadership potential towards serving society and is led by Peter Edgar (Catalyst Inc) and Kain Craigs (Iconic Golf Group).

Shapers are highly motivated individuals who have a great potential for future leadership roles in society. They are selected on the basis of their achievements, leadership potential, and commitment to make a difference. Through the Global Shapers Community, Shapers are provided with opportunities to connect with the worldwide network of Global Shapers, to network with other World Economic Forum communities, and to represent the voice of youth at World Economic Forum events. Shapers are united by a common desire to channel the members’ tremendous energy and enthusiasm into building a more peaceful and inclusive world.

Peter and Kain led a group of ambitious local entrepreneurs in a bid for the chance to participate in ‘Shaping Davos’, a streamed global discussion, taking place during this year’s summit.

Having successfully won the bid, Belfast will join other ‘cities of resilience’ - Seattle, Vancouver and Quito – on 18th January, for a 75-minute live discussion on the topic of ‘Cities as Hubs of Innovation’.

“We are thrilled to share Belfast’s innovation, accomplishments and vision for the future with Davos this year,” said Peter Edgar.

"Northern Ireland’s tech sector is brimming with world-class young talent and it is vital that we engage with like-minded millennials and investors around the world. Shaping Davos gives us the opportunity to promote Northern Ireland’s growing Knowledge Economy and digitally driven ambition to an international audience,” Peter added.

The Belfast Global Shapers Hub has planned a content-creation event on Monday 16th January, from which key issues will be identified and brought to the Davos discussion two days later.

Speaking at this event will be tech entrepreneur Mark Dowds, co-founder of Trov; UK Director of Women who Code Sheree Atcheson; Nuala Gallagher, Director of City Centre Development, Belfast City Council; Chris and Ricky Martin, co-founders of Skunkworks and Tim Brundle, Director of Research and Innovation, Ulster University.

“To win the bid and set up this complex project in one month has been an exhilarating team effort,” added Kain Craigs of the Belfast Global Shapers Hub.

“We are proud to have secured a global business building platform for our generation and help shine the spotlight on Belfast’s transformation, technology and talent,” he said.

Lead sponsors of ‘Belfast is Shaping Davos’ include Deloitte Digital and Belfast City Council, with support from Tourism NI, Titanic Belfast and other private sector entities including Morrow Communications and Forde Campbell LLC.

For more information about the World Economic Forum’s annual summit visit www.weforum.org